Justice Maryanne Anenih, of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.
The bail conditions require the sureties to be prominent Nigerians with landed properties in designated areas within Abuja, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Bello, who is facing a trial on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving N110 billion, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He has been ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court and will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until his bail conditions are met.
Justice Anenih had earlier rejected Bello’s initial bail application on December 10, describing it as “premature” since it was filed before the defendant was in custody or brought before the court. This prompted his legal team to file a fresh application.
At Thursday’s hearing, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, withdrew a further affidavit previously filed in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit.
Daudu emphasized the need for a speedy trial, citing discussions held with the prosecution team.
He also requested a broader scope for properties that could serve as bail sureties, extending beyond Maitama to other parts of the FCT.
The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, confirmed these discussions and assured their cooperation in ensuring a swift trial.
“As with the legal tradition, we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice,” Enitan said, leaving the decision on the bail application to the court’s discretion.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih affirmed that the charges against Bello were bailable and granted the application.
She stressed that the conditions must be met before the defendant could be released from custody.
The case highlights the EFCC’s continued efforts to prosecute high-profile corruption cases, with both defence and prosecution agreeing to prioritize a swift trial process.
